Dated: 25 Feb 1811
Recorded: October Court 1811
Updated November 25, 2022
Background:
Thomas Wilkinson married Sally Gilliam, the daughter of James Gilliam of Cumberland, after the death of James Gilliam in 1774. Thomas had previously been married; it has been suggested that his first wife was Mary Carter. This marriage produced Mary Wilkinson who married Craddock Vaughan and Carter Wilkinson who married Sarah Langhorne the daughter of Maurice Langhorne and Mary Moulson.
It appears that Thomas arrived in Cumberland about 1783 for on 28 Apr 1783 a Thomas Wilkinson, “of New Kent” purchases a tract of land from Samuel Taylor, the younger, and his wife Elizabeth. Earlier a Thomas Wilkinson is mentioned in the Vestry of Southam Parish. This Thomas may be the Thomas that married Sarah, but it seems unlikely since Thomas referred to himself in 1783 as “of New Kent.” It should be noted that James Gilliam, Sr. married Catherine Manning who also appears to be out of New Kent.
Thomas and Sarah had six children: Thomas, Jr., Izard, James, Sarah P., John and Lyddall whose names also appear to have deed roots in New Kent.
In the name of God amen, I Thomas Wilkinson of the county of Cumberland, state of Virginia being sick in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following:
I lend unto my beloved wife Sarah Wilkinson the use of the plantation whereon I now live together with the stock of hogs, sheep and cattle.
I also lend unto my beloved wife Sarah Wilkinson one third part of the _____ of my estate during her natural life and at her death to be equally divided between my six youngest children, to wit:
Thomas, Izard, James, John, Lyddall and Sarah P. Wilkinson to them and their heirs forever, my other two children: Mary Vaughan, and Carter Wilkinson, have already received their proportionable part of my estate and _______________of my estate which is not already disposed of, be in the following manner
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah P. Wilkinson one negro girl named Kitty, to her and her heirs forever.
I also give unto my three youngest sons: James, John and Lyddall Wilkinson each as [sic] horse to be worth one hundred dollars over and above the portion of my two sons Thomas and Izard Wilkinson who have already received each one of that value all the rest residue and remainder of my estate both real and personal, goods and chattels of what kind and nature soever I give and bequeath the same to be equally divided between my above named six youngest children, Thomas, Izard, James, John, Lyddall and Sarah P. Wilkinson to them and their heirs forever.
I constitute and appoint my three sons Thomas, Izard and James Wilkinson executors of this my last Will and Testament. Hereby revoking all manner of wills by me made, it is my will and decree that security be not required by the court of my executors before named for their performance in the discharge of this my last Will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 25th day of February 1811.
Signed, sealed and delivered to be his last will and testament in presence of
Sig: Thos [his X mark] Wilkinson
Wit: D. Shields, Robert Stratton, Austin Wharton
Cumberland October Court 1811
This last will and testament of Thomas Wilkinson decd was exhibited in court and proved by the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of Thomas Wilkinson and Izard Wilkinson who made oath according to law and proved that __________________ form.
A teste
James Hobson, DC
A copy a teste
Miller Woodson, Clerk
Sources
- Library of Virginia Chancery Suits. Children of Thomas Wilkinson vs Exors of Thomas Wilkinson.1815-013.
- Posted to Gilliams of Virginia and Beyond Ancestry Tree